Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-03-11
CYRIL SEARLE DEAD.
The Curtain Fails on the Last Act
of His Life.

OI tJiles
, Cyril searle, wellknown actor and
Theatrical manager, died a few minutes
after II O'CLOCK yesterday at the savan-
nah Hospital. Two or three years ago ne
was attacked by consumption, and for
the past six months his friends have had
little hope of his recovery. In october oil
last year he came to Savannah with the
Lillian Lewis Company, of which he was
the business manager. The company
| broke in Savannah, and Mr.. Searle was
persuaded TO stay here. de was tneh
! failing rapidly, but 1t was thought thae
his life might be prolonged In TINS OH
mate, even though a cure c0u!o hoI We
effected.
For a time he appeared to improve, but
before the holidays he left for distant
part OF the state. Shortly afterwsrd ne
| came back to Savannah much worse IMAM
when he left. For six weeks ne has been
confined to the hospital. Although he
knew that his end was fast approaching,
he always showed a cheerful disposition,
and ne met death calmly and fearlessiy,
though without any bravado. A rev
hours before his dissolution he
family remarked, but with a
smile, to d trend at his bedside:
'EThe last act of my life's drama is almost
played" None knew better than he that
the end was near, and that the curtain
| would soon drop forever on his mortal
J existence. At O'Clock yesterday morn
| ing he became unconscious. ana re-
manned so, passing away very gently.
! His real name was Cyril Scale, Searle
being his stage name, and he came
| of family of much prominence in
Alabama. He was born in Scale In
that State about forty years ago.
| When he was boy he was sent
to England to be educated, and
remained there until he WAS nearly
of age, receiving a military education.
He became q man OF fue attaiDments,
but was OF rowing disposition, and In
his lite, though comparatively short one,
he saw much of the world. He travelled
all over the European continent. went to
Australia and saw active duty in Her
NJ ajestv's service, He had an extensive
acquaintance among the prominent
people of England, and was an intimate
personal friend of Charles Reade, The
great novelist.
Entering the dramatic profession, he
quickly rose TO leading position. His
greatest character was probably
"Coupeau" in ''Drink," the manuscript of
which was willed to him by Reade, who
had adapted it from the French. He mar
wards came to this country and
accepted position on the New
York Herald. Leaving journalism he
again began acting, and travelled all
over the United States playing leading
parts in standard plays. When Mary
Anderson made her first successful tour
through the South, which was the CON-
mencement of her succession of sue
cesses, Mr.. Searle was her leading sup
port, playing Ingomar and Romeo and
such roles in her repertoire.
Obtaining divorce from his first wife
he married Rose Eytlnge, then In the
zenith of her career. For several seasons
he managed her in starring tours, gener-
ally playing leading man. He was a
better actor than business manager, and
although he made great deal of money
it was lost In unsuccessful ventures.
He was member of the Masonic fra
ternity, of the Benevolent Order of Elks,
of the Typographical Union and OF the
Actors Fund. The Elks, the Actors
Fund and the Ford Dramatic Association,
of this city, have been caring for him
since he has been in Savannah. He Will
be buried this afternoon by the Masons in
Laurel Grove Cemetery. The funeral
services will be held at st. Johns Church
at p. m. The President of the Savannah
Typographical Union requests that as
many members of the organization as can
will attend the funeral